Development of a strategy for the management of invasive species in the SK-CZ cross-border region

We have mapped invasive plants in the project area, remove them from pilot sites and develop a model strategy to prevent their spread.

We are implementing the project in the border districts of Senica and Hodonín as part of the Interreg Cross-Border Cooperation Programme between Slovakia and the Czech Republic. An important part of this strategy is cooperation with local communities, which are actively involved in the process of eradicating these species.

In collaboration with our Czech partner, Beleco, z.s., we mapped invasive plants and eradicate them in pilot sites in the districts of Senica and Hodonín. We developed a joint mapping methodology and currently we are working on the pilot strategy for the effective eradication of these plants, which will be applicable in other municipalities and regions in both countries.

DAPHNE Institute of Applied Ecology carried out a mapping of invasive plants in the Senica district across an area of approximately 68,000 hectares, utilising remote sensing techniques. We will provide the data collected to local authorities and organisations involved in combating invasive plants, such as the State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic and the Senica District Office. We carried out the first phase of removal of the plants within the municipal boundaries of Senica.

The project includes activities to raise awareness of invasive plants, such as educational videos. We organised two round-table discussions in Senica and Hodnín for representatives of local authorities and landowners. The round table in Hodnín included a field trip featuring demonstrations of effective methods for eradicating invasive plants.